New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) In a pointed response to Sonia Gandhi's remarks regarding the Modi government's "muted" approach to the Palestine conflict, Janata Dal-United leader K.C. Tyagi reminded her that it was during the Congress administration, under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, that India officially recognized Israel.

In an interview with IANS, Tyagi stated, "Sonia Gandhi seems to overlook that Israel's recognition occurred during Narasimha Rao's leadership, a time when Congress was in power. Recently, the Indian government reaffirmed at the United Nations its support for the two-nation solution, acknowledging both Israel and Palestine as independent states."

The JD-U leader further addressed the BJP's claims regarding Congress's involvement in the recent violent protests in Leh, which included the torching of police vehicles.

"We condemn any form of violence. However, it is essential for both central and local authorities to engage in dialogue with protestors and improve the living conditions for the residents of Leh," Tyagi remarked to IANS.

Regarding the recent comments made by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, who referred to the Nehru-era decision against deploying the Indian Air Force during the 1962 conflict with China as a "blunder", Tyagi commented: "I am not privy to the specific conditions of that time or the capability of our air power. It's a historical issue that requires thorough evaluation."

Tyagi also responded to the 10-point agenda released by the leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, which outlines various welfare initiatives for the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) if they gain power in Bihar.

"The current administration led by Nitish Kumar and previously by our leader Karpoori Thakur has already enacted significant policies for backward classes, most backward classes, minorities, and Dalits. During his reading of the INDIA bloc's manifesto, Rahul Gandhi appeared oblivious to the fact that we have already implemented sub-categorized reservations, lifted the 50% cap, established a separate commission for the most backward classes, and increased their reservation to 65%. Such pledges will likely fall flat in Bihar," Tyagi stated to IANS.

The resolution proposed by the INDIA bloc, articulated by the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, includes plans to boost EBC reservation in panchayat and municipal bodies from 20% to 30%, raise the overall reservation limit to 50%, and allocate land to landless SC, ST, OBC, and EBC families. It also advocates the enforcement of Article 15(5) for admissions in private institutions and reserves 50% of government contracts worth up to Rs 25 crore for SCs, STs, OBCs, and EBCs. A high-powered regulatory body is also suggested to monitor the execution of these reservations.